Marino’s on the Bay
45 Orchard Beach Blvd., Port Washington
(516) 883-5600
www.marinosonthebay.com
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cuisine: Italian/Seafood
Credit Card: Yes, all major
Reservations: Yes
Delivery/Takeout: Takeout, no delivery
If you have an establishment by the water, you have the opportunity to create a scenic display that is as impressive as the food being served. Marino’s on the Bay succeeds on all counts, offering customers a wonderful view to go along with exquisite food. The venue just opened last year and it looks to become a neighborhood favorite.
The Long Island restaurant is right on Manhasset Bay, giving patrons a stunning view from several angles, including outdoor seating. Watching the sun go down over the water is one of the loveliest and most romantic sites you can see while enjoying a meal. And what a meal it is!
My girlfriend and I started with some excellent seafood appetizers. We ordered Marino’s hot antipasto for two, which came with baked clams, shrimps scampi style, eggplant rollatini, stuffed mushrooms and fried calamari. The dish was a feast for two. Throw in an order of savory crab cakes and you have a great way to kick off dinner.
The main course was where Marino’s really excelled. I ordered the veal sorrentino, which I knew was the right choice as soon as it arrived. Smothered in a plum tomato sauce and covered with fresh mozzarella, the veal was very juicy, exploding with delightful zest in every bite.
My girlfriend went with Marino’s spring lobster special, which is available on Mondays and Tuesdays. In addition to the 1.25-pound lobster, the deal includes clams, potatoes, corn, a salad, dessert and a complimentary bottle of wine, red or white. All of that food is offered for less than $30. Quite a deal! The lobster was delicious with a perfect amount of flavor that was complimented by all the wonderful side dishes. We both absolutely loved it; trying our hardest to make sure we got every bit of lobster.
Marino’s on the Bay is sure to be a favorite for a long time. It is easily one of the best meals we’ve had in months. With their one-year anniversary celebration coming up on Memorial Day weekend, we may just have to go back and discover even more magnificent flavors.
–Joe Marvilli